By Zandra Wolfgram

Artist Kelly Pierre hails from South Louisiana’s vibrant culture, where his Cajun French-speaking family owned shrimp boats. Summers spent learning the shrimping business along the Gulf Coast deeply connected him to the seafood industry.

“I got to touch and hold all kinds of marine life. They are beautiful and amazing, and I wanted to save them all,” Pierre says in his lilting Louisiana accent.

Pierre’s winning artwork, titled Transcendent, is a soothing 24” x 30” acrylic painting featuring an elegant octopus carefully eyeing the viewer as it floats across the canvas in calming sea hues.

“People come here to experience the marine life. It is very inspiring to me,” Pierre explains. “I hope my painting reminds people of all the beautiful creatures on this earth and that we recognize that this earth is something to preserve. We need to preserve our existence.”

Most of Pierre’s art reflects the beauty, culture, and diversity of the coastal area. His passion for painting began in childhood after seeing an artist at a festival. Inspired by Alabama’s “smiling fish” artist Don Sawyer and Louisiana’s “blue dog” artist George Rodrigue, as well as his travels to the Caribbean, Pierre has found endless inspiration in both land and sea.

Pierre’s Artistic Journey

Now, Pierre can paint almost anywhere, though he usually works from his studio by the sea at Harbor Walk Village in Destin, Florida. After more than 30 years as a professional artist, the 51- year-old still finds great enthusiasm in painting, believing that “a good place to paint is wherever I can.”

A previous exhibitor at the Festival of the Arts, this is Pierre’s second win in the MKAF Poster Art Contest. He first won in 2019, but severe weather hindered the Festival that year.

“This award means so much. Being an artist was just a dream, but now it’s a reality. But it’s not about me. I believe we’re all artists … and to everyone out there if you work hard and don’t give up, you can achieve your dream.”

Facts About the Festival

As the Poster Art Contest winner, Pierre will receive a cash prize of $750. His winning artwork will be used to promote the 29th Annual Festival of the Arts, showcased on the official Festival poster, program guide, t-shirts, in the Festival marketing campaign, on the MKAF website, and across MKAF’s social media channels.

This year’s 29 th annual event begins on Friday, Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. with the Arty Kick Off Party at Henderson Beach Resort in Destin. The two-day Festival continues on Saturday, October 26, and Sunday, October 27, throughout The Dugas Pavilion green in Destin.

The much-anticipated event will feature more than 100 juried artists from across the United States, exhibiting original artwork in various mediums including oil, watercolor, acrylic paintings, photography, sculpture, pottery, glass, wood, paper, fiber, mixed media, and jewelry designs. Artists will compete for more than $12,000 in cash prizes across 18 award categories, including the coveted Best in Show and People’s Choice Award, selected by festival fans.

A highlight of the Festival is the Collaborative Art Exhibit, showcasing select artwork by adult and student artists. This celebration of art, music, food, and family fun will include a live music lineup, hands on arts and crafts activities for children, an art raffle, and more. Visitors can enjoy a diverse menu from local food trucks, along with Wine & Beer Garden and a Bloody Mary bar. Convenient on-site parking and free shuttle service also will be available.

Admission to the Festival is free. Proceeds support MKAF and its community education outreach initiatives, including ArtsReach, which serves K-12 students, individuals with special needs, and active-duty military and veterans throughout Northwest Florida and the Southeast.

Join us in celebrating the arts and the vibrant community at the 2024 Festival of the Arts, and witness the beautiful artwork of Kelly Pierre and other talented artists.

For more information, visit MKAF.org.

Featured Guest Artist at the Festival of the Arts Arty Kick Off Party,Friday, Oct. 27 at Henderson Beach Resort

In her words …
Although I didn’t start painting until mid-life, I was always blessed with a
creative side.  After following my military husband around the world and
raising two beautiful children, I jumped both feet into my art career.  
My childhood was spent in Wisconsin, although I now proudly call Florida
my home. Many of my first works were in realism using the Old Master’s
technique. While living in New Mexico, I was a noted pet portrait artist and
have animal portraiture proudly displayed throughout the United States.  
To loosen my technique, I began to create oil paintings exclusively with
palette knives.  My unique technique uses very heavy texture that creates
“expressive impressionistic” paintings that have almost 3D attributes.  Oil
paints are my medium of choice as their natural pigmentation created an
incomparable richness in my works.  
My subject matter is diverse, but I primarily focus on nature.  Landscapes,
seascapes, flora, and birds are among my favorite subjects.  When I paint, I
feel an overwhelming connectivity between my subject and marvel at how
the subtle interplay of light, color, and space balance one another.  My
greatest joy as an artist is to see how my works can create such intense
emotion in those that view them.
We now permanently reside in Niceville, Florida, where I paint in my
waterfront studio and am inspired by the natural wetlands of the Northern
Gulf Coast. My work is shown at several juried fine art shows, and I am
represented by the Studio Gallery in Grayton Beach, and the Foster
Gallery in Miramar Beach, and the Krista Schumacher Gallery in La Jolla,
CA.  My originals can also be viewed in my online gallery at

kathyschumacherart.com. My unique style has been recognized locally and
nationally and I have collectors throughout the country.

Why did you become an artist?
KS: I’ve always had a passion for creativity, a desire for self-expression, and a love
for art. Creating art to make people happy is a wonderful motivation. Art has the
power to evoke emotions, bring joy, and inspire others. It’s a meaningful way to
connect with people.

What inspires you to create art?
KS: My paintings are mostly inspired by the natural surroundings of our beautiful
Emerald Coast. Our stunning white beaches, emerald green water, and abundant
wildlife provide endless subjects for me to explore. Whether it’s landscapes,
animals, or the elements of nature, there is so much subject matter surrounding
us!

You use a unique in your oil paintings. Tell us about your art style.
KS: My unique painting style uses very heavily textured oil paints applied with
palette knives and other sculpting tools. This impasto technique applied over a
pre-toned canvas creates impressionistic paintings that have three dimensional
attributes. This technique allows me to stay loose, merging colors and sculpting
wet paint into a dynamic final product with rich pigmentation.

What is your favorite subject and why?
KS: I so enjoy painting so many subject matters! If I had to narrow it down, my
favorite subject would probably be florals, as they lend themselves to be naturally
more impressionistic and vibrant in color.

You are the featured guest artist at the Festival of the Arts Arty Kick Off Party on
Friday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. on the Piazza Plaza of the Henderson Beach Resort.
What can they expect?
KS: I’m honored to be the featured artist at the Arty Kick Off Party for several
reasons. So often collectors and fans are so curious about my unique painting
technique. Painting live and sharing my passion will allow me to explain and
educate people about this technique while building connections within our art
community. Also, I will be delighted to field any questions about my art or
technique during this demonstration. In addition to painting live, I will be
displaying a variety of existing paintings that show off variations of my impasto
style.

You have been an integral part of the Emerald Coast arts scene. What is your
take on it now and where the local arts are headed?
KS: We are so lucky on the Emerald Coast to have such a vibrant art scene. As this
area is such a desirable place to live, we attract a mix of artists with different
styles and backgrounds that together create a dynamic and eclectic art scene.
This community hosts a variety of art shows, festivals, and exhibitions that allow
us creatives to showcase our works not only to locals but to our huge tourist
population. More and more, this area is not only becoming a destination for our
beautiful beaches, but also for our thriving art and cultural initiatives.

You are a longtime MKAF support and now an MKAF Board member, why
should locals (and visitors) support Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation?
KS: Matties Kelly Arts Foundation is a wonderful non-profit organization that
promotes the arts within our entire community. They have a superb community
outreach program, including hosting art programs for our local elementary
schools, and offering art classes to the disabled. In addition, they produce an
excellent Concerts in the Village series including outstanding live musicians. This
concert series is included with your membership. Also, the Festival of the Arts, is

the premiere art show within our area and is a must attend! Most importantly, as
a member of MKAF, you will be able to meet and collaborate with like-minded
patrons that together support the mission of bringing art and culture to our
beautiful Gulf-coast.
Meet artist Kathy Schumacher at watch her paint live at the Arty Kick Off Party al
fresco on the Piazza Plaza of Henderson Beach Resort on Friday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m.
Mix and mingle with Festival artists, enjoy live music, light bites, creative cocktail
by Black Sheep Tequila and cash bar. Learn more Tickets are $75 per person
(includes two beverage tickets). Purchase here.
MKAF members enjoy a savings. Not a member? Join today! Learn more here.

By Zandra Wolfgram

Zentangle is a form of meditative drawing that involves creating intricate patterns using simple strokes. The practice was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas, who discovered that drawing repetitive patterns had a calming effect on the mind. Zentangle has since gained popularity around the world as a way to reduce stress and anxiety, while also promoting creativity and mindfulness.

After practicing Zentangle for many years, Charles Burkett became a Zentangle teacher in 2022; when Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) sponsored his certification coursework. 

“It was our intention to “pay it forward” by empowering a veteran to become a certified CZT and connect with active duty and veteran military personnel as a peer,” said MKAF Education Director Melanie Moore. 

Collaborating with Burkett was a natural fit as he has a personal understanding of the benefits of Zentangle.

Burkett, proud to be raised in Walton County, enlisted in the U.S. Army at 17. He married his high school sweetheart, was stationed in Germany and in 1998 had a baby girl. They returned stateside in 2000. After serving 22 years, he retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 in 2013 and they returned to the local area. 

In 2004, a devastating helicopter crash left Burkett with a Traumatic Brain Injury and extensive nerve damage, limiting most of his fine motor skills on his dominant right side. Fearing he may not regain full use of his hand, he used Zentangle for physical therapy and taught himself how to write with his left hand. Learning how to hold a pencil was the first step towards re-learning the same skills on his dominant hand. Starting with the letters of the alphabet, he progressed to drawing creative patterns and connecting lines to create images. Within months, he had regained 80 percent of his fine motor skills, and by the end of the year, he had full control of his right arm, hand, and fingers.

Zentangle worked wonders for Burkett who says, “You get to create a product from just relaxing and letting your mind expand.” 

The stress-free, no-fault method of creating beautiful patterns inspired him to share it with others. “Their mental and spiritual improvement was amazing,” he says. 

Today, Burkett is as a Certified Zentangle teacher for MKAF’s Warrior Arts, a special ArtsReach initiative established by Moore in 2016. He teaches a variety of Zentangle classes both virtually and in-person since joining the program. 

Burkett — who also teaches combat readiness, motorcycle safety, self-protection among other things — has taught introductory classes for mixed groups, combat vet support groups, and female vet support groups at the Okaloosa Vet Center. He has also taught virtual classes for the Bay County Vet Center female vet support group, the AFSOC Commando Caregivers/Warrior CARE summit, and the EOD Warrior Foundation. Burkett’s virtual classes have reached military service members from around the world, including their spouses and caregivers, in both active duty and veteran roles.

When he isn’t teaching Zentangle you can find Burkett scuba diving, parachuting, cross-country running, cross-fit training and caring for his family and ranch in Laurel Hill. 

Burkett is inspired by those who have come before. “Living through history is such a cherished commodity. Watching things unfold before your eyes and cataloging events to share is priceless,” he says. 

This veteran commits fully to whatever he takes on. If you need a nudge, follow his motto: “Give 110 percent at whatever you are doing.  Whether it’s piloting a helicopter or sweeping the floor. Therefore, on those days that you don’t feel like you are at your best, chances are your performance may have slipped “down” to 100 percent!”

MKAF’s ArtsReach program is dedicated to bringing the arts to underserved communities throughout the region. Through partnerships with local schools, community centers, and other organizations, ArtsReach provides access to high-quality arts education and programming for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Through his classes, Burkett is helping people to tap into their creativity, reduce stress and anxiety, and explore the world of art. 

He and Melanie Moore are teaching nearly a dozen classes in May and June. This year, Moore has scheduled more than 100 Zentangle and painting classes through the MKAF Warrior Arts program. 

When you support MKAF, you support heroic individuals like Charles Burkett. Not a member yet? Visit MKAF.org to learn more.

Fall is here. That means it’s time for Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s annual Festival of the Arts. This year’s celebration of art, music, food and family fun is set for the weekend of October 29-30 at the scenic MKAF Cultural Arts Village in Destin.  

The Festival is free and open to the public and runs Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations are welcome. Proceeds benefit ArtsReach, MKAF’s arts education community outreach program serving K-12 students, adults, and children with special needs and military and veteran populations. 

One of the Southeast’s premier art festivals, the two-day signature event features art exhibits of more than 100 artists (including 37 new artists!) from 17 states showcasing a diverse palette of artistic styles in a range of different art mediums. 

–A complimentary four-color Festival Guide containing a roster of all artists, a map of the Festival site, the entertainment lineup, a list of food & beverage vendors, and other helpful hints on how to navigate through the Festival is available at the entrance. 

–Did you know Festival of the Arts artists compete in a juried competition for $10,000 in cash prizes? The judging panel includes Anna Killian Cavnar an artist/adjunct faculty member at Pensacola State College and Dan Taylor, a Tallahassee-based artist known for his bold abstract paintings, jewelry, and large-scale garden sculptures. On Saturday, Festivalgoers are invited to vote for the “People’s Choice” Artist Award by casting a ballot located at the Main Festival Entrance. 

-Oneof the unique features of the Festival is the Collaborative Art Exhibit, which showcases the work of seasoned and emerging adult artists and local student artists competing for the $850 McIlroy Awards given in honor of the late Patricia McIlroy, Destin’s  first First Lady and an MKAF advocate and patron. 

-Young artists are welcome to climb aboard Uniquely Clever’s Creative Cruiser to enjoy hands-on interactive art creation of seasonal crafts. Be sure to keep an eye out for Betty Longlegs who will be happy to make your tot a free balloon sculpture. 

-Frame up the fun in the moment at the Picture Yourself photo stations and grab a Gif at the Epic Photo Booth and be sure to keep the conversation going with #MKAF. 

–Six musicians/bands will perform live throughout the weekend on stage at The Dugas Pavilion. Saturday singer/songwriter The Wavy Winstons (10-11:30 a.m.) serves up folk, pop, jazz, and island music. Jones & Company (noon-2 p.m.) deliver jazz, soul, and world music, then rock, blues, dance, and original music by Tillman & Taff (2:30-4:30 p.m.). On Sunday, Now & Then (10-11 a.m.) will open the Festival with folk tunes that allow them to showcase their acoustic fiddle and guitar, followed by Roman Street Trio (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.) — an instrumental band specializing in improvisational fusion of Classical, Gypsy and Contemporary Jazz, Latin and Nuevo Flamenco. Singer/songwriter Casey Kearney (2-3:30 p.m.) closes out the Festival by treating Festivalgoers to a performance infused with heartfelt ballads and upbeat crowd-pleasing favorites.

– Cuisine on the Green will serve up samplings of fish & chips from Spork (Saturday), gourmet burgers from Fuel (Sunday), Pan-Asian-style cuisine by My Ohana, Texas smoked BBQ from Red Neck Riviera Smokers, Hawaiian poke bowls from Priddy Mayjah, plus Italian ice and gelato from Repicci’s of the Panhandle and hand-dipped ice cream and fresh-squeezed lemonade from Dan’s Old-Fashioned Concessions. Foodies can toast the arts with select wine, beer, and fresh-crafted Bloody Mary cocktails in the Beer & Wine Garden. 

–This year’s official Festival guide, poster, and t-shirt feature the coastal-inspired artwork of Santa Rosa Beach-based impasto acrylic painter Justin Gaffrey. Signed and numbered poster prints and souvenir t-shirts featuring Gaffrey’s lush acrylic artwork entitled “Original Seascape” will be available for sale in the Souvenir Tent. 

–Be sure to also visit the Art Drawing Tent and enter the charity benefit drawing for chances to win a range of original artwork generously donated by the 2017 Festival artists. The drawing will take place on Sunday, Oct. 30 at 3 p.m., but you do not need to be present to win.  Good luck! 

– Park for free at Destin High School located adjacent to the Cultural Arts Village or at Emerald Coast Centre, located on Highway 98 near Beall’s Department Store, and ride the free continuous shuttle service right to the main entrance. The Cultural Arts Village is designed as an ADA-compliant venue with available handicap parking.  

– You purchased a large masterpiece, great! Obtain a convenient  “art pickup” pass from the Festival Main Entry Tent For Festival fans using the art shuttle, simply return to the satellite parking at Emerald Coast Shopping Centre to retrieve your vehicle and display your pass on your dashboard to gain access to the Festival entrance.

–Lend a hand. Volunteer shifts are available by contacting Patricia Parker at (850) 368-0988 and patricia.parker@bxs.com. 

For more information about the Festival of the Arts, visit www.MKAF.org or call (850) 650-2226 and follow MKAF on social channels.

It’s fall, ya’ll! That means it is time to celebrate the cultural arts at the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s Festival of the Arts. This year’s 26th annual event is free and set for Saturday, Oct. 30 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) and Sunday, Oct. 31 (10 a.m.- 4 p.m.) at the scenic MKAF Cultural Arts Village in Destin. 

One of the Southeast’s premier art festivals, the two-day signature event features art exhibits of nearly 100 juried artists showcasing a diverse palette of artistic styles from oil paintings and fine photography to mixed media, mosaics, sculpture, clay ceramics, jewelry, and more.

“We will have all of the offerings our Festival fans look forward to each year, but with more new artists joining some of our longtime artists — all showcasing beautiful, new original works of art accompanied by live music, makes the Festival a fresh, new experience all over again,” says Festival producer Deb Nissley.

Art lovers of all ages will be able to watch artists create works during live art demonstrations, browse art from nearly 100 established artists along with dozens of emerging artists, and get hands-on in the interactive children’s art station. Beyond the visual arts, the Festival will feature two days of continual live music and a sampling of the local culinary arts scene. Entertaining street performers, lively art drawings, and the sale of colorful keepsake souvenirs — all create a family-friendly festival feel.

How Best to Art Fest 

Free Parking/Shuttle — Park for free Destin High School adjacent to the Cultural Arts Village or at Emerald Coast Centre (near Beall’s Department Store), and ride the free continuous shuttle to the main entrance. 

Get the Guide — A complimentary Festival Guide containing a roster of all artists, a map of the Festival site, the entertainment lineup, a list of food & beverage vendors, and other helpful hints on how to navigate the Festival is available at the entrance. 

Vote! — On Saturday, Festivalgoers are invited to vote for the “People’s Choice” Artist Award by casting a ballot located at the Main Festival entrance. 

Buy Festival Merchandise — This year’s official Festival merchandise features the whimsical artwork of Freeport artist Estelle Grengs (look for her at Booth No. 1.) Signed and numbered poster prints and souvenir t-shirts featuring Greng’s fantastical artwork will be available for sale in the Souvenir Tent. 

Win Art! — Be sure to visit the Art Drawing Tent and enter the charity benefit drawing for chances to win a range of original artwork generously donated by the Festival artists. The drawing will take place on Sunday, Oct. 31 at 3 p.m.    

Lend a Hand — Sign up to volunteer. For more information, visit MKAF.org or call (850) 650-2226.

By Tracy Louthain

It’s arts month along Florida’s Emerald Coast. While 2020 has been a tough year and has been anything but normal, as the old adage goes—the show must go on! With that said, the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) will continue with its 25-year tradition and host the 25^th Annual Festival of the Arts, Oct. 24-25, 2020. As Destin’s longest-running art festival, the Festival of the Arts celebrates a diverse mix of art forms and supports artists from around the country.

The MKAF Board of Directors and Festival Producer Deb Nissley collaborated to develop a festival that will support the arts community while keeping artists, guests, staff, and volunteers safe. To help art lovers plan for this year’s Festival of the Arts, here are the elements that will be the same and what will be different for the 2020 festival: 

NEW: This year’s festival will be smaller and more intimate to allow for social distancing. Tents will be spaced 10-feet apart and there will be fewer artist booths. Approximately 65 artists from around the U.S. will feature their original artwork. Artists from as far as New York and Texas to local artists Ricky Steele’s watercolor paintings and Jeff Waldorff’s photography, artists will have the opportunity to interact with those who enjoy original art—a special moment for many who have not been able to publicly display and sell their art since the spring. Masks are encouraged and may be required for some booths. Hand sanitizer stations will be conveniently located throughout the festival grounds at entry points and in the beer and wine garden. 

THE SAME: The festival will feature a diverse selection of artistic styles, including acrylic, clay, collage, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, mosaic, oil, pen and ink, photography, digital art, pastel, pottery, sculpture, fiber, textile, wood, and watercolor. More importantly, attendees will be able to meet the artists, and discover their inspiration, creating connections, and add to their own collection.

NEW: This year, there is an online preview of the Festival of the Arts. For art lovers who can’t get out, participating artists and their work are featured online. Detailed bios of each featured artist and select works will be available for sale online. https://mkaf.org/preview-the-artists/

THE SAME: The Dugas Pavilion will once again be the location for live music. On Saturday, the festival will open with Social Tofu (9:30-11:30 a.m.), performing an original progressive-pop music mix. Rock, blues, dance continue with Tillman & Taff (12:00-2:00 PM) and the festival will wrap up with the Casey Kearney (2:30-4:30 PM) with slow heartfelt ballads, upbeat crowd favorites, and playful melodies. On Sunday, Now and Then (10:00-11:00 AM) will open with acoustic new-grass, improvisation & original tunes, followed by When the Mari Gleason (11:30 AM-1:30 PM) playing a unique mix of folk and Americana grooves. The Bonhoeffers (2:00-4:00 PM) close out the festival with a great blend of bluegrass, blues, and classic rock. 

NEW: This year, the Festival will include a Children’s Book Author Tent. Celebrating the written word and creative illustrations, authors and publishers will be on hand with their recently published works to meet families and share the inspiration behind these beloved new tales. Their booth will provide the opportunity to meet the author and purchase a personally autographed book for the child (or kid at heart) in your family. Author Keri Atchley will feature her new book, The Adventures of the Almost 10 Pound Beastie, the adorable story of a little dog trying to discover her perfect name as travels to a far-away land. Author Casey Kearney and her daughter Annabelle encourage young girls to express their creativity and colorful personalities. Attendees can meet Mom and daughter on Saturday as well as the illustrator, Brittany Sanchez on Sunday and build their library of positive motivational words that will impact young girls for years to come.

THE SAME:  Festival fans will still enjoy dining alfresco with table seating while listening to live music and enjoying the tasty fare of culinary delights served on the green. Crystal Beach favorite, 790 On the Gulf will be serving up gumbo and Cajun cuisine. Stanley’s Street Treats will feature a unique original southern gourmet selection along with sandwiches and fine desserts. Jim N’ Nicks Bar-B-Que will have plenty of chicken, pulled pork, sides as well as the famed cheese biscuits. For those who enjoy sweet treats, Gelato Love will be serving gelato and sorbet Italian treats and Dan’s Old Fashioned Concessions will be serving hand-dipped ice cream and fresh-squeezed lemonade. There is also the beer and wine garden for more potent libations. From wine and craft beer to bottled water and sodas, there are offerings to keep everyone in your group hydrated. 

While the program may be modified, the art, music, food, and fun will be the same. Create a virtual experience at home or attend the 25^th Annual Festival of the Arts in person and celebrate art, culture, and creativity locally and beyond. For more information, visit https://mkaf.org/art-festival/. Adult entrance fee is $5 and the festival is free to members and children under 12. Be sure to stop by the artist raffle tent and support the arts with a chance to win incredible original artwork and designs.